US20030178061A1 - Toilet bowl and tank drainage device - Google Patents
Toilet bowl and tank drainage device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20030178061A1 US20030178061A1 US10/326,532 US32653202A US2003178061A1 US 20030178061 A1 US20030178061 A1 US 20030178061A1 US 32653202 A US32653202 A US 32653202A US 2003178061 A1 US2003178061 A1 US 2003178061A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- housing
- inlet
- liquid
- outlet
- bulb
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
- F04B9/00—Piston machines or pumps characterised by the driving or driven means to or from their working members
- F04B9/14—Pumps characterised by muscle-power operation
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
- Y10T137/2713—Siphons
- Y10T137/2842—With flow starting, stopping or maintaining means
- Y10T137/2877—Pump or liquid displacement device for flow passage
- Y10T137/2897—Collapsible bulb
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a portable, hand-operated drainage device for use in evacuating water from a water receptacle such as the bowl and tank of a toilet.
- U.S. Pat. No. 238,136 (Manwaring) describes and illustrates a hand-operated siphon pump having a pair of check-valves positioned inside a main tube.
- a hand-operated vacuum lift pump and siphon for handling liquids is similarly disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,301,826 (Beckerer).
- U.S. Pat. No. 2,640,431 (Neal) discloses a device that is intended for use as, among other things, a toilet bowl siphon pump.
- 5,388,966 also discloses a pump that may be used for draining a toilet bowl.
- the devices described in the above noted patents show both hand and power operated pumps that may be used to transport water, for example, from one tank to another or from the bilge of a boat to the surrounding water.
- the Neal and Bley pumps disclose removal of water from a toilet bowl. However, they cannot be operated to remove all of the water in the bowl because there is a mismatch in the shapes of the various inlets with the shape of the bottommost portion of the bowl.
- Those devices that employ tubing as inlets are cumbersome as an extra hand is required to properly position the tubing inlet while, at the same time, operating the pump.
- the need for a power source and motor is also a disadvantage, as batteries must be replaced and the motors and the impellers driven by the motors may wear out.
- a portable toilet tank and bowl drainage device has a housing with an inlet duct disposed therein for positioning relative to a submerged surface and that is configured to receive the liquid above the submerged surface.
- the exterior of the housing has a plurality of conducting channels disposed thereon to communicate directly with the inlet.
- the housing also has an outlet duct spaced from the inlet. The outlet is configured to discharge the liquid received from the inlet duct.
- the housing further has an housing opening that is configured to connect to means for creating suction which can include a central tube.
- a central tube has a first end that is in direct communication with the housing and is preferably sealingly connected to the housing at the housing opening.
- a second end of the central tube is configured to be in communication with a means to create suction.
- it is sealingly connected to a collapsible bulb or, alternatively, to a collar that connects to the collapsible bulb.
- the device further has a collapsible bulb that is sized for grasping with the hand of a user.
- the bulb has an opening that is sealingly connected to the second end of the central tube or, alternatively, to a collar that connects to the central tube.
- the bulb is formed of an elastically deformable material that is deformable by the hand of the user between an at-rest position and a compressed position. The bulb has sufficient resilience to return to the at-rest position from the compressed position upon release of the hand of the user. Operation of the bulb from the at rest position to the collapsed position and then back to the at rest position creates a suction and a pumping action.
- An inlet check valve is mounted within the housing, and preferably to the inlet duct, to regulate the flow of fluid through the inlet duct.
- the inlet check valve is operable between an open position and a closed position.
- An outlet check valve is also mounted within the housing, and preferably to the outlet duct, to regulate the flow of liquid therethrough.
- the outlet check valve is operable between an open position and a closed position.
- a discharge tube is connected to the housing to be in fluid communication with the outlet to direct liquid away from the outlet.
- the device operates by locating or positioning the inlet surface of the housing adjacent to or on a wetted surface and operating the collapsible bulb repetitively between the at-rest position and the compressed position. Movement of the collapsible bulb from the at-rest position to the compressed position causes the air in the bulb to be exhausted preferably out the discharge. Relaxing the bulb in the compressed position allows it to move toward the at-rest position in turn creating a vacuum and in turn drawing liquids such as water positioned proximate the inlet toward the inlet and through conducting channels toward the inlet. The liquids are thereafter drawn into the device. Subsequent movement of the collapsible bulb from the at-rest position to the compressed position expels water from the device through the outlet.
- the discharge tube transports liquid from the outlet of the device to a remote location.
- FIG. 1 is a cross sectional partial view of portion of a toilet bowl and tank drainage device of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a perspective exploded view of a portion of the housing of the toilet bowl and tank drainage device of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an inlet or outlet valve disc or flapper of the toilet bowl and tank drainage device of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the inlet duct of the toilet bowl and tank drainage device of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the outlet duct of the toilet bowl and tank drainage device of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 6 is a cross sectional depiction the toilet bowl and tank drainage device positioned to drain tank and to drain a bowl of the toilet bowl and tank;
- FIG. 7 depicts the underside view of the housing of the toilet bowl and tank drainage device of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of a bulb collar of the toilet bowl and tank drainage device of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of a collapsible bulb of the toilet bowl and tank drainage device of FIG. 1.
- the drawings illustrate a device to evacuate water from the bowl and tank of toilet and tank arrangement and also from other liquid containing receptacles in which there is a liquid above a submerged surface.
- the device here is referred to as a toilet bowl and tank drainage pump which is generally identified by the reference numeral 10 .
- the pump 10 has a manually operable device to create a suction which is here shown as a collapsible bulb 20 .
- the pump 10 also includes a central tube 30 and a valve housing 40 .
- the valve housing 40 has positioned therein an inlet check valve 50 and an outlet check valve 60 .
- a liquid such as water is drawn into the pump 10 via an inlet duct 70 and is expelled from the pump 10 via an outlet duct 80 .
- a discharge tube 100 is connected to a discharge port 90 that is formed integrally with the valve housing 40 and carries water from the pump 10 to a discharge location.
- the discharge location may be, for example, the toilet bowl 192 (see FIG. 6) or a bucket when draining the toilet tank 191 .
- the discharge location may be the toilet waste stack 195 or a bucket when draining the toilet bowl 192 .
- the inlet duct 70 is cylindrical in shape and has an annular ring 71 formed on its exterior surface 69 that is sized to effect a watertight fit when disposed within a similarly sized annular recess 41 formed in the valve housing 40 .
- the watertight fit may be provided using various suitable means, such as, for example, close tolerances between contacting faces 68 and 67 of the ring 71 and recess 41 or by use of glue or cement between the contacting faces 68 and 67 and the faces or surfaces of the recess 41 .
- the inlet duct 70 has a centerline 33 and an average length 72 here taken along the centerline or axis 76 such that a first end 73 of the inlet duct 70 will extend sufficiently far into the valve housing 40 to enable the inlet check valve 50 to operate between open and closed positions without contact interference from surrounding structure of the housing 40 .
- the inlet duct 70 also has a second end 74 that is positioned proximate an inlet surface 42 of the valve housing 40 when the valve housing 40 is fully assembled.
- the inlet duct 70 has a length 72 from about 1 ⁇ 2 of an inch to about 1 inch, and is preferably about 3 ⁇ 4 of an inch.
- the first end 73 of the inlet duct 70 has a rim 75 that is preferably perpendicular to the axis 76 that extends the length 72 of the inlet duct 70 .
- the axis 76 of the inlet 70 is here shown to be the same as axis 33 of the tube 30 .
- the rim 75 of the inlet 70 has a beveled surface 77 that terminates in a knife edge 78 against which the inlet check valve 50 may rest to form a water-tight seal.
- the rim 75 need not be circular as illustrated, but may be of different geometric shape, for example, square or triangular.
- the rim 75 need not be perpendicular to the axis 76 , but may be positioned at an angle to the axis 76 .
- the inlet duct 70 also need not be exactly cylindrical as illustrated but may be curved along a curved axis as well.
- the inlet duct 70 need not be positioned so that its axis 76 is coaxial with an axis 33 of the central tube 30 , but may be positioned so that the axes 76 , 33 are at an angle with respect to each other.
- the second end 74 of the inlet duct 70 has a surface 79 that is configured to form a generally smooth surface with the inlet surface 42 of the housing.
- a hinge pin base 170 (see FIG. 6) is formed as part of the inlet duct 70 proximate the first end 73 .
- the hinge pin base 170 has recesses 171 formed on either side of the hinge base 170 to receive the right and left hinge pins 116 and 117 of the inlet check valve 50 .
- the recesses 171 are elongate in shape and have a length 172 and a width 173 that are selected to enable rotational movement of the inlet check valve 50 between its open (spaced away from rim 75 ) and closed positions (positioned on rim 75 ) and to reduce the need for dimensional precision in the formation of the inlet check valve 50 .
- the inlet gate 50 (FIG. 2) has a first face 51 and a second face 52 .
- the first face 51 makes contact with the first end 73 of the inlet duct 70 when the inlet gate 50 is in the closed position.
- the first face 51 is preferably planar or flat and is oriented with respect to the first end 73 such that the first face 51 rests sealingly against the knife edge 78 of the inlet duct 70 when the inlet gate 50 is in the closed position.
- the sealing relationship between the first face 51 and the knife edge 78 inhibits the flow of liquid such as water through the inlet duct 70 when the collapsible bulb 20 moves from the first, at-rest position 21 to a second, compressed position 22 (discussed below).
- the outlet duct 80 is, like the inlet duct 70 , cylindrical in shape and has an annular ring 81 formed on its periphery that is sized to affect a watertight fit when disposed within a similarly sized annular recess 43 formed in the valve housing 40 .
- the watertight fit may be provided using suitable means, such as, for example, close tolerances between contacting faces 95 and 96 of the ring 81 and recess 43 or by use of glue or cement between the contacting faces 95 and 96 and the surfaces of the recess 43 .
- the outlet duct 80 has an axis 86 with an average length 82 therealong selected so that a first end 83 of the outlet duct 80 will extend a sufficient distance from a first partition wall 44 in the valve housing 40 to enable the outlet gate 60 to operate between open (spaced away from rim 85 ) and closed positions (seated on rim 85 ) without contact interference from surrounding structure of the housing 40 .
- the outlet duct 80 also has a second end 84 that is positioned proximate the partition wall 44 in the valve housing 40 when the valve housing 40 is fully assembled.
- the outlet duct 80 has a length 82 from about 1 ⁇ 4 of an inch to about 1 inch, and is preferably about 1 ⁇ 2 of an inch.
- the first end 83 of the outlet duct 80 has a rim 85 that is preferably perpendicular to axis 86 .
- the rim 85 has a beveled surface 87 that terminates in a knife edge 88 against which the outlet gate 60 may rest and form a seal. It is realized that the rim 85 need not be circular as illustrated, but may be in other geometric shapes , for example, square or triangular.
- the second end 84 of the outlet duct 80 has a surface 89 that is flat and configured to form a water-tight seal when engaged between the first partition wall 44 and a second partition wall 45 .
- the watertight seal may be obtained using the techniques described above, that is, with close tolerances or with glue or cement.
- a hinge pin base 180 (see FIG. 7) is formed as part of the outlet duct 80 proximate the first end 83 .
- the hinge pin base 180 has recesses 181 formed on either side of the hinge base 180 to receive hinge pins of the outlet gate 60 like hinge pins 116 and 117 .
- the recesses 181 are elongate in shape and have a length 182 and a width 183 that are selected to enable rotational movement of the outlet gate 60 between its open and closed positions and to reduce the need for dimensional precision in the formation of the outlet gate 60 .
- the outlet gate 60 has a first face 61 and a second face 62 .
- the first face 61 makes contact with the first end 83 of the outlet duct 80 when the outlet gate 60 is in the closed position.
- the first face 61 is preferably planar in shape and is oriented with respect to the first end 83 such that the planar surface of the first face 61 rests sealingly against the knife edge 88 of the outlet duct 80 when the outlet gate 60 is in the closed position.
- the seal ring relationship between the first face 61 and the knife edge 88 inhibits the flow of water or other liquid through the outlet duct 80 and into the tube 30 when the collapsible bulb 20 moves from a second, compressed position 22 to the first, at-rest position 21 (discussed below).
- the outlet gate 60 opens against the flow of water or other fluids including liquids through the outlet duct 80 when the collapsible bulb 20 moves from the first, at-rest position 21 to a second, compressed position 22 .
- Shapes for the first face 61 other than planar are contemplated, such as, for example, scallop type shapes, so long as the first face 61 fits sealingly with a corresponding shape of the knife edge 88 of the outlet duct 80 .
- the gate 110 has a flat surface 111 for contact with a corresponding sealing surface, such as the knife edge 78 of the inlet duct 70 or the knife edge 88 of the outlet duct 80 .
- the surface adjacent the flat surface 111 such as, for example, second face 52 and second face 62 , need not be flat but, if desired, may be curved to enhance strength or operational performance.
- the gate 110 further includes a left arm 112 and a right arm 113 .
- the left arm 112 and the right arm 113 have, respectively, a left shoulder 114 and a right shoulder 115 .
- the left shoulder 114 and the right shoulder 115 are formed to have a left hinge pin 116 and a right hinge pin 117 , respectively.
- the left and right hinge pins 116 , 117 are disposed on an axis 118 and are configured to engage the recesses 171 , 181 that are disposed on either side of the hinge pin bases 170 , 180 .
- the length and diameter of the hinge pins 116 , 117 are selected to cooperate with the lengths 172 , 182 and widths 173 , 183 of the recesses 171 , 181 .
- the recesses 171 , 181 are elongate in shape.
- the elongate shape reduces the need for dimensional precision in manufacturing the gate 110 and permits the gate 110 (or, more specifically, the inlet gate 50 and outlet gate 60 ) to move axially along the inlet duct 70 or the outlet duct 80 so as to reduce the possibility of valve jamming or of a small piece of debris becoming trapped between the knife edge of the inlet 70 or outlet duct 80 and the first face 51 and 61 of the inlet or outlet gates 50 and 60 , respectively.
- the stop member 120 is positioned and configured to make contact with the hinge pin bases 170 and 180 with the inlet gate 50 or the outlet gate 60 in the open position and so that the flow of fluid toward the respective inlet 70 and outlet 80 will urge the gates 50 and 60 toward the closed positioned.
- the gate 110 is constructed of a material having a specific gravity greater than that of the liquid or fluid such as water. Use of such materials prevent the gate 110 from floating to toward the open position when such is not desired and eliminates the need for springs or other structure to urge the gate and more specifically the flat surface 111 against the knife edges 78 and 88 of the inlet duct 50 and outlet duct 60 .
- the 110 is made of material having a specific gravity from about 1.1 to about 1.5. A specific gravity of about 1.2 has been found suitable for these purposes.
- the valve housing 40 is illustrated to have a first section 46 and a second section 47 .
- the first and second sections 46 , 47 have formed therein, and integrally therewith, the annular recess 41 that engages the annular ring 71 of the inlet duct 70 and the annular recess 43 that engages the annular ring 81 of the outlet duct 80 .
- the annular recess 41 that engages the annular ring 71 of the inlet duct 70 has first and second wall pieces 141 , 142 that are configured to sealingly engage the annular ring 71 , thereby forming a water-tight fit.
- the annular recess 43 that engages the annular ring 81 of the outlet duct 80 has first and second wall pieces 143 , 144 that are configured to sealingly engage the annular ring 81 , thereby forming a water-tight fit. It is noted that the first and second wall pieces 143 , 144 also form the first wall partition 44 and the second wall partition 45 referred to above.
- the first and second sections 46 , 47 are formed to provide a water and air tight fit when fastened together.
- the first and second sections 46 , 47 may be fastened together by sliding tight fitting rings 48 , 49 over the periphery of the housing opening and discharge duct of the housing or, alternatively, by simply gluing the sections together.
- the first section 46 and second section 47 also have inlet surface portions 145 and 146 , respectively, that define the geometry of the inlet surface 42 .
- the inlet surface portions 145 and 146 are configured such that the inlet surface 42 has a generally flat surface that is shaped to engage the surfaces 193 , 194 that are found in the tank 191 and bowl 192 of a standard toilet assembly 190 .
- the phrase “generally flat,” is here meant to include embodiments where the inlet surface portions 145 , 146 of the valve housing 40 are configured to provide a small degree of curvature for the inlet surface 42 .
- a small degree of curvature for the inlet surface 42 enables the pump to better affect the suction of water off from those surfaces that are not, in fact, perfectly flat, but that exhibit a small degree of curvature themselves, say, for example, on the order of about 3 to about 12 inches in radius.
- a small degree of curvature for the inlet surface 42 does not, however, hinder suction of water off from surfaces that exhibit infinite curvature, that is, surfaces that are perfectly flat.
- a perfectly flat inlet surface 42 does not appreciably hinder the suction of water off from surfaces that exhibit a small degree of curvature.
- the second end 74 of the inlet duct 70 should be contoured to provide a smooth transition between the second end 74 and the inlet surface portions 145 and 146 of the valve housing.
- the undersurface 155 of the valve housing 40 is illustrated as having a flat inlet surface 147 .
- Grooves 148 are formed and in the valve housing 40 and conducting channels 149 are formed in the inlet duct 70 in communication with the grooves 148 .
- the grooves 148 and conducting channels 149 enable liquid to proceed toward the inlet duct 70 . That is, the small amounts of water that otherwise might remain in the tank or bowl can be removed. Stated otherwise, the flat inlet surface 147 may be placed directly on the tank surface 193 or the bowl surface 194 .
- the pump like the bulb 20 may be operated to entrain liquid such as water that remains in shallow pockets on the surfaces 193 , 194 .
- liquid such as water is entrained or mixed with air as it moves into the inlet duct 70 from the grooves 148 and conducting channels 149 and into the central tube 30 .
- the depth of the grooves 148 and the conducting channels 149 is from about 0.5 to about 2 millimeters, and preferably about 1 millimeter, below the flat inlet surface 147 .
- the grooves 148 and the conducting channels 149 will follow the slightly curved contour of the generally flat surface.
- the manually operable device to create a suction is a collapsible bulb 20 which is illustrated as being in communication with the valve housing 40 via a central tube 30 .
- the collapsible bulb 20 is made of a rubber-like material that may, in fact, be rubber or any material with similar characteristics. Specifically, the material of the collapsible bulb 20 is selected to be deformable by manipulation with the human hand.
- a collapsible bulb 20 made from material with a durometer from about 20 to about 80, and preferably about 50.
- the collapsible bulb 20 is preferably formed to have a circular cross section, but with a variable diameter along its central axis 23 .
- the side wall 24 of the bulb 20 has a wall thickness 25 selected so that the bulb 20 may be readily and repetitively squeezed by the human hand to effect a pumping action as discussed herein below.
- the wall thickness 25 may range from about ⁇ fraction (1/64) ⁇ of an inch to about 1 ⁇ 4 of an inch and, preferably, is about 1 ⁇ 8 of an inch when the material has a durometer of about 50.
- the collapsible bulb 20 has, further, a rear wall 26 that is formed to be generally transverse to the central axis 23 .
- the rear wall 26 is unitarily formed with the side wall 24 , but with a wall thickness 27 that is greater than the wall thickness 25 of the side wall 24 .
- a circular ridge 28 provides stability to the rear wall 26 .
- the rear wall 26 has, preferably, a wall thickness 27 of about 1 ⁇ 4 of an inch.
- the collapsible bulb 20 has a variable diameter 29 along its overall length 121 .
- a necking portion 122 has a diameter 123 and a length 124 that are sized to accept the thumb 157 and forefinger 159 of a user's hand 200 (illustrated in phantom).
- the overall length 121 is sized to accept all the fingers 161 of the user's hand 200 .
- the bulb 20 has a diameter 29 that is about 2 and 3 ⁇ 8 inches at its greatest point and a diameter 123 that is about 1 and 3 ⁇ 4 inches at the necking portion 122 .
- the overall length 121 of the collapsible bulb 20 is about 4 and 5 ⁇ 8 inches long and is selected so that an overlapping portion 125 extends forward of the necking portion 122 for connection to a bulb collar 130 and for further connection to the central tube 30 .
- the user's hand 200 can manipulate the bulb 20 between a first, at-rest position 21 and a second, compressed position 22 .
- the volume of the bulb 20 changes from about 400 milliliters at the first, at-rest position 21 to about 200 milliliters at the second, fully compressed position 22 .
- a collapsible bulb 20 having the dimensions above discussed so as to provide an at-rest volume of about 400 milliliters, can produce a vacuum of about 45 inches of water as the bulb moves from its second, fully compressed position 22 to its first, at-rest position 21 .
- the material properties disclosed and described herein enable the bulb 20 to automatically return to its at-rest position 21 , from the compressed position 22 , upon release of the hand of the user and, when doing so, draw liquid such as water in through the inlet of the housing 40 and into the central tube 30 .
- a central tube 30 is disposed between the collapsible bulb 20 and the valve housing 40 .
- the central tube 30 has a first end 31 that is connected to the valve housing 40 and a second end 32 that is connected to the bulb collar 130 .
- the bulb collar 130 is itself connected to the collapsible bulb 20 .
- the first end 31 of the central tube 30 is snugly connected to the valve housing 40 by selecting the outer diameter 133 of the tube 30 to be essentially the same as the inner diameter 131 of the top portion 132 of the valve housing 40 .
- a snug fit made in this fashion permits disassembly of the valve housing 40 from the central tube 30 .
- a layer of plastic cement may be applied to permanently seal and affix the valve housing 40 to the central tube 30 .
- An annular lip 134 is formed into the valve housing 40 and serves to provide a stop for the central tube 30 .
- the second end 32 is connected to the bulb collar 130 in the same fashion as the first end 31 is connected to the valve housing 40 .
- the central tube may range in length from about 12 inches to about 48 inches and, preferably, is about 15 inches.
- the outer diameter 133 of the central tube 30 is preferably about 1 and 1 ⁇ 4 inches, but may range from about 1 ⁇ 2 of an inch to about 2 inches.
- the inner diameter 131 of the top portion 132 of the valve housing is preferably about 1 and 1 ⁇ 4 inches. Similar dimensions are employed at the second end 32 of the central tube 30 and the engaging portion 140 of the bulb collar 130 .
- the bulb collar 130 preferably, has an inner diameter 134 of about 1 and 1 ⁇ 4 of an inch, which is identical to the preferred outer diameter of the central tube 30 .
- the illustrated tube 30 is shown as a straight tube with a central straight axis 33 .
- Central tubes that are curved along their lengths may be used, as opposed to straight tubes.
- the collapsible bulb 20 is connected to the bulb collar 130 by snugly engaging an annular lip 135 that is formed integrally with the collapsible bulb 20 with an annular recess 136 that is formed in the bulb collar 130 .
- the inside diameter 137 of the annular lip 136 is less than the outside diameter 138 of the bulb collar 130 . This forces the bulb 20 to be elastically stretched or deformed when the annular lip 135 is engaged with the annular recess 136 , thereby ensuring an air and water tight connection between the bulb 20 and the collar 130 .
- the bulb collar 130 has a beveled edge 139 to facilitate placement of the annular lip 135 into the annular recess 136 .
- the outside diameter 126 of the bulb collar 130 proximate the engaging portion 140 , is selected to act as a stop for the collar 130 and collapsible bulb 20 once the annular lip 135 is engaged with and into the annular recess 136 .
- connection between the bulb 20 and the collar 130 , between the collar 130 and the tube 30 and also between the central tube 30 and the housing 40 are snug to be essentially water tight and air tight.
- Glue, plastic cement and snug fit tolerances or other suitable means are used to effect the desired air and water-tight seals.
- a discharge tube 100 is connected to the discharge port 90 of the valve housing.
- the discharge tube 100 has a length 99 that is preferably from about 6 inches to about 24 inches and is preferably about 9 inches.
- the inside diameter 165 of the discharge tube 100 is preferably about 3 ⁇ 8 of an inch, but may range from about 1 ⁇ 4 of an inch to about 1 ⁇ 2 of an inch.
- the discharge tube 100 has a proximal end 101 that is connected to the outside portion 103 of a threaded connector 102 .
- the threaded connector 102 has an inside portion 104 that is threadedly connected to the inside diameter 105 of the discharge port 90 .
- the threaded connector 102 facilitates rapid substitution of discharge tubes 100 having varying lengths.
- FIG. 6 operation of the toilet tank and bowl pump 10 is illustrated.
- the user or operator may shut off the water source to the toilet and then flush the toilet.
- the preliminary steps evacuate the bulk of the water from the tank 191 and bowl 192 , leaving the residual water that remains for clean-up using the toilet tank and bowl drainage pump 10 .
- the levels of water in the tank 191 and in the bowl 192 are illustrative of a toilet after it is flushed. It should be appreciated that the toilet tank and bowl drainage pump 10 may be used regardless of the level of water in the tank 191 and bowl 192 .
- the user places the lower portion 11 of the pump 10 into the tank 191 of the toilet 190 .
- the distal end 106 of the discharge tube 100 is then extended toward the bowl 192 of the toilet 190 .
- the collapsible bulb 20 is squeezed by the hand 200 from the first, at-rest position 21 to the second, compressed position 22 , and then released.
- the elasticity and resilience of the bulb 20 causes the bulb to return to its first, at-rest position 21 .
- a vacuum or suction is created in the central tube 30 .
- the vacuum in the central tube 30 causes liquid such as water to be drawn in through the inlet duct 70 and, further, causes the outlet gate 60 to remain in its closed position.
- a column of liquid such as water resides in the central tube 30 .
- the inlet gate 50 will move toward its closed position.
- the pressure of the column of water will force the outlet gate 60 into toward its open position, thereby allowing some of the water in the central tube 30 to flow through the outlet duct 80 into the discharge tube 100 .
- the water will stop flowing through the outlet duct 80 when the level of the water in the discharge tube is the same as the level of water in the central tube 30 .
- the process is then repeated by squeezing the bulb 20 to its second, compressed position 22 and then allowing the bulb 20 to return to its first, at-rest position 21 .
- water remaining in the central tube 30 from the previous cycle will be forced through the outlet duct 80 and into the discharge tube 100 .
- another column of liquid such as water is drawn into the central tube 30 .
- the gate 61 will move toward the outlet 80 .
- the surface elevation of the liquid or water in the discharge tube 100 may be higher than the surface elevation of the liquid or water in the central tube 30 to assist in urging the outlet gate 60 toward the closed position.
- the process is repeated until the volume of water in the tank 193 is completely evacuated into the bowl 192 .
- the next step is to place the lower end 11 of the pump 10 into the bowl 192 and to thread the distal end 106 of the discharge tube 100 toward the waste stack 195 of the toilet 190 . Because the pump 10 does not depend on a siphon action for use, it is not required that the distal end of the discharge tube 100 be threaded completely into the waste stack. Rather, the distal end 106 need be extended only so far into the waste stack 195 such that the liquid such as water may be pumped over the rim 196 of the waste stack 195 . The above described process is then repeated until the water in the bowl 192 has been completely evacuated into the waste stack 195 of the toilet 190 .
- the above described process may be modified, if needed or if otherwise convenient, through use of varying lengths of the discharge tube 100 .
- longer or shorter lengths of discharge tube 100 may be used during the tank drainage process and the bowl drainage process, for as illustrated in FIG. 6, a longer discharge tube 100 may be required to carry water over the rim of the toilet tank.
- Different lengths of discharge tube 100 may also be used depending on the dimensions of the particular toilet being drained—that is, longer or shorter lengths 99 of discharge tube 100 may be used to coincide with larger or smaller toilets.
- a toilet tank and bowl drainage device such as pump 10 has been described with reference to particular embodiments in the foregoing description.
- Various other modes for carrying out the invention are, however, contemplated as being within the scope of the claims that follow and that particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter which is regarded as the invention.
Abstract
A hand held an portable pump has a housing with an inlet on the bottom and an outlet on its side. A central tube extends up from the housing and has a bulb attached at its end. An inlet gate is positioned proximate the inlet to operate between a closed position in which the flow of liquid there through is inhibited and an open position in which liquid may flow through the inlet. The outlet has an outlet gate that is positioned to inhibit the flow of liquid into the housing in its closed position and to permit the flow of liquid out of the housing and into a discharge tube in the open position. The bulb is operated between an at rest position and a deflected or compressed position to urge fluid into and out of the bulb and in turn draw liquid through the inlet into the housing and to urge the liquid out of the outlet and into the discharge tube.
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/342,654, filed Dec. 19, 2001.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates to a portable, hand-operated drainage device for use in evacuating water from a water receptacle such as the bowl and tank of a toilet.
- 2. State Of The Art
- Small, hand-held devices for draining or otherwise removing or transporting liquids from a first location to a second location are known. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 238,136 (Manwaring) describes and illustrates a hand-operated siphon pump having a pair of check-valves positioned inside a main tube. A hand-operated vacuum lift pump and siphon for handling liquids is similarly disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,301,826 (Beckerer). Unlike the Manwaring and Becker pumps, U.S. Pat. No. 2,640,431 (Neal) discloses a device that is intended for use as, among other things, a toilet bowl siphon pump. U.S. Pat. No. 5,388,966 (Bley) also discloses a pump that may be used for draining a toilet bowl. The devices described in the above noted patents show both hand and power operated pumps that may be used to transport water, for example, from one tank to another or from the bilge of a boat to the surrounding water. The Neal and Bley pumps disclose removal of water from a toilet bowl. However, they cannot be operated to remove all of the water in the bowl because there is a mismatch in the shapes of the various inlets with the shape of the bottommost portion of the bowl. Those devices that employ tubing as inlets, moreover, are cumbersome as an extra hand is required to properly position the tubing inlet while, at the same time, operating the pump. The need for a power source and motor is also a disadvantage, as batteries must be replaced and the motors and the impellers driven by the motors may wear out.
- A portable toilet tank and bowl drainage device is disclosed. The device has a housing with an inlet duct disposed therein for positioning relative to a submerged surface and that is configured to receive the liquid above the submerged surface. The exterior of the housing has a plurality of conducting channels disposed thereon to communicate directly with the inlet. . The housing also has an outlet duct spaced from the inlet. The outlet is configured to discharge the liquid received from the inlet duct.
- The housing further has an housing opening that is configured to connect to means for creating suction which can include a central tube. A central tube has a first end that is in direct communication with the housing and is preferably sealingly connected to the housing at the housing opening. A second end of the central tube is configured to be in communication with a means to create suction. Preferably, it is sealingly connected to a collapsible bulb or, alternatively, to a collar that connects to the collapsible bulb.
- The device further has a collapsible bulb that is sized for grasping with the hand of a user. The bulb has an opening that is sealingly connected to the second end of the central tube or, alternatively, to a collar that connects to the central tube. The bulb is formed of an elastically deformable material that is deformable by the hand of the user between an at-rest position and a compressed position. The bulb has sufficient resilience to return to the at-rest position from the compressed position upon release of the hand of the user. Operation of the bulb from the at rest position to the collapsed position and then back to the at rest position creates a suction and a pumping action.
- An inlet check valve is mounted within the housing, and preferably to the inlet duct, to regulate the flow of fluid through the inlet duct. The inlet check valve is operable between an open position and a closed position. An outlet check valve is also mounted within the housing, and preferably to the outlet duct, to regulate the flow of liquid therethrough. The outlet check valve is operable between an open position and a closed position. A discharge tube is connected to the housing to be in fluid communication with the outlet to direct liquid away from the outlet.
- The device operates by locating or positioning the inlet surface of the housing adjacent to or on a wetted surface and operating the collapsible bulb repetitively between the at-rest position and the compressed position. Movement of the collapsible bulb from the at-rest position to the compressed position causes the air in the bulb to be exhausted preferably out the discharge. Relaxing the bulb in the compressed position allows it to move toward the at-rest position in turn creating a vacuum and in turn drawing liquids such as water positioned proximate the inlet toward the inlet and through conducting channels toward the inlet. The liquids are thereafter drawn into the device. Subsequent movement of the collapsible bulb from the at-rest position to the compressed position expels water from the device through the outlet. The discharge tube transports liquid from the outlet of the device to a remote location.
- FIG. 1 is a cross sectional partial view of portion of a toilet bowl and tank drainage device of the present invention;
- FIG. 2 is a perspective exploded view of a portion of the housing of the toilet bowl and tank drainage device of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an inlet or outlet valve disc or flapper of the toilet bowl and tank drainage device of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the inlet duct of the toilet bowl and tank drainage device of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the outlet duct of the toilet bowl and tank drainage device of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 6 is a cross sectional depiction the toilet bowl and tank drainage device positioned to drain tank and to drain a bowl of the toilet bowl and tank;
- FIG. 7 depicts the underside view of the housing of the toilet bowl and tank drainage device of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of a bulb collar of the toilet bowl and tank drainage device of FIG. 1; and
- FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of a collapsible bulb of the toilet bowl and tank drainage device of FIG. 1.
- The drawings illustrate a device to evacuate water from the bowl and tank of toilet and tank arrangement and also from other liquid containing receptacles in which there is a liquid above a submerged surface. The device here is referred to as a toilet bowl and tank drainage pump which is generally identified by the
reference numeral 10. With reference to FIG. 1, thepump 10 has a manually operable device to create a suction which is here shown as acollapsible bulb 20. Thepump 10 also includes acentral tube 30 and avalve housing 40. Thevalve housing 40 has positioned therein aninlet check valve 50 and anoutlet check valve 60. - A liquid such as water is drawn into the
pump 10 via aninlet duct 70 and is expelled from the pump10 via anoutlet duct 80. Adischarge tube 100 is connected to adischarge port 90 that is formed integrally with thevalve housing 40 and carries water from thepump 10 to a discharge location. The discharge location may be, for example, the toilet bowl 192 (see FIG. 6) or a bucket when draining thetoilet tank 191. Alternatively, the discharge location may be thetoilet waste stack 195 or a bucket when draining thetoilet bowl 192. When thewaste stack 195 is not clogged with waste, water is first drained from thetank 191 into thebowl 192 and then drained from thebowl 192 into thewaste stack 195, thereby completely evacuating water from both thetoilet tank 191 andbowl 192. The toilet and tank combination may then be removed from their floor seating without spilling any water in the process. Of course if the toilet is in an outdoor climate, removal of the water protects it from breakage by the freezing of the water in the toilet bowl and tank. - Referring, more particularly, to FIGS. 1, 2 and4 , details of the
inlet duct 70 and theoutlet duct 80, and their respectiveinlet check valve 50 andoutlet check valve 60, are illustrated. Theinlet duct 70 is cylindrical in shape and has anannular ring 71 formed on itsexterior surface 69 that is sized to effect a watertight fit when disposed within a similarly sizedannular recess 41 formed in thevalve housing 40. The watertight fit may be provided using various suitable means, such as, for example, close tolerances between contactingfaces ring 71 andrecess 41 or by use of glue or cement between the contacting faces 68 and 67 and the faces or surfaces of therecess 41. - The
inlet duct 70 has acenterline 33 and an average length 72 here taken along the centerline oraxis 76 such that afirst end 73 of theinlet duct 70 will extend sufficiently far into thevalve housing 40 to enable theinlet check valve 50 to operate between open and closed positions without contact interference from surrounding structure of thehousing 40. Theinlet duct 70 also has asecond end 74 that is positioned proximate aninlet surface 42 of thevalve housing 40 when thevalve housing 40 is fully assembled. - In one embodiment here illustrated, the
inlet duct 70 has a length 72 from about ½ of an inch to about 1 inch, and is preferably about ¾ of an inch. Thefirst end 73 of theinlet duct 70 has arim 75 that is preferably perpendicular to theaxis 76 that extends the length 72 of theinlet duct 70. Theaxis 76 of theinlet 70 is here shown to be the same asaxis 33 of thetube 30. - The
rim 75 of theinlet 70 has abeveled surface 77 that terminates in aknife edge 78 against which theinlet check valve 50 may rest to form a water-tight seal. Therim 75 need not be circular as illustrated, but may be of different geometric shape, for example, square or triangular. Therim 75 need not be perpendicular to theaxis 76, but may be positioned at an angle to theaxis 76. Theinlet duct 70 also need not be exactly cylindrical as illustrated but may be curved along a curved axis as well. Further, theinlet duct 70 need not be positioned so that itsaxis 76 is coaxial with anaxis 33 of thecentral tube 30, but may be positioned so that theaxes second end 74 of theinlet duct 70 has asurface 79 that is configured to form a generally smooth surface with theinlet surface 42 of the housing. - A hinge pin base170 (see FIG. 6) is formed as part of the
inlet duct 70 proximate thefirst end 73. Thehinge pin base 170 hasrecesses 171 formed on either side of thehinge base 170 to receive the right and left hinge pins 116 and 117 of theinlet check valve 50. Therecesses 171 are elongate in shape and have alength 172 and awidth 173 that are selected to enable rotational movement of theinlet check valve 50 between its open (spaced away from rim 75) and closed positions (positioned on rim 75) and to reduce the need for dimensional precision in the formation of theinlet check valve 50. - The inlet gate50 (FIG. 2) has a first face 51 and a
second face 52. The first face 51 makes contact with thefirst end 73 of theinlet duct 70 when theinlet gate 50 is in the closed position. Specifically, the first face 51 is preferably planar or flat and is oriented with respect to thefirst end 73 such that the first face 51 rests sealingly against theknife edge 78 of theinlet duct 70 when theinlet gate 50 is in the closed position. The sealing relationship between the first face 51 and theknife edge 78 inhibits the flow of liquid such as water through theinlet duct 70 when thecollapsible bulb 20 moves from the first, at-rest position 21 to a second, compressed position 22 (discussed below). Conversely, theinlet gate 50 opens under the force of the flow of water or other liquid through theinlet duct 70 when thecollapsible bulb 20 moves from a second,compressed position 22 to the first, at-rest position 21. Shapes for the first face 51 other than planar are contemplated, such as, for example, scallop type shapes, so long as the first face fits sealingly with a corresponding shape of theknife edge 78 of theinlet duct 70. - The
outlet duct 80 is, like theinlet duct 70, cylindrical in shape and has anannular ring 81 formed on its periphery that is sized to affect a watertight fit when disposed within a similarly sizedannular recess 43 formed in thevalve housing 40. The watertight fit may be provided using suitable means, such as, for example, close tolerances between contactingfaces ring 81 andrecess 43 or by use of glue or cement between the contacting faces 95 and 96 and the surfaces of therecess 43. - The
outlet duct 80 has anaxis 86 with anaverage length 82 therealong selected so that afirst end 83 of theoutlet duct 80 will extend a sufficient distance from afirst partition wall 44 in thevalve housing 40 to enable theoutlet gate 60 to operate between open (spaced away from rim 85) and closed positions (seated on rim 85) without contact interference from surrounding structure of thehousing 40. - The
outlet duct 80 also has asecond end 84 that is positioned proximate thepartition wall 44 in thevalve housing 40 when thevalve housing 40 is fully assembled. In practice, theoutlet duct 80 has alength 82 from about ¼ of an inch to about 1 inch, and is preferably about ½ of an inch. Thefirst end 83 of theoutlet duct 80 has arim 85 that is preferably perpendicular toaxis 86. Therim 85 has abeveled surface 87 that terminates in aknife edge 88 against which theoutlet gate 60 may rest and form a seal. It is realized that therim 85 need not be circular as illustrated, but may be in other geometric shapes , for example, square or triangular. Therim 85 need not be perpendicular to theaxis 86, but may be positioned at an angle to theaxis 86. Theoutlet duct 80 need not be exactly cylindrical as illustrated, but may be curved along a curved axis as well. Further, theoutlet duct 80 need not be positioned so that itsaxis 86 is coaxial with anaxis 93 of thedischarge port 90, but can be positioned so that theaxes - The
second end 84 of theoutlet duct 80 has a surface 89 that is flat and configured to form a water-tight seal when engaged between thefirst partition wall 44 and asecond partition wall 45. The watertight seal may be obtained using the techniques described above, that is, with close tolerances or with glue or cement. - A hinge pin base180 (see FIG. 7) is formed as part of the
outlet duct 80 proximate thefirst end 83. Thehinge pin base 180 hasrecesses 181 formed on either side of thehinge base 180 to receive hinge pins of theoutlet gate 60 like hinge pins 116 and 117. . Therecesses 181 are elongate in shape and have alength 182 and awidth 183 that are selected to enable rotational movement of theoutlet gate 60 between its open and closed positions and to reduce the need for dimensional precision in the formation of theoutlet gate 60. - The
outlet gate 60 has afirst face 61 and asecond face 62. Thefirst face 61 makes contact with thefirst end 83 of theoutlet duct 80 when theoutlet gate 60 is in the closed position. Specifically, thefirst face 61 is preferably planar in shape and is oriented with respect to thefirst end 83 such that the planar surface of thefirst face 61 rests sealingly against theknife edge 88 of theoutlet duct 80 when theoutlet gate 60 is in the closed position. The seal ring relationship between thefirst face 61 and theknife edge 88 inhibits the flow of water or other liquid through theoutlet duct 80 and into thetube 30 when thecollapsible bulb 20 moves from a second,compressed position 22 to the first, at-rest position 21 (discussed below). Conversely, theoutlet gate 60 opens against the flow of water or other fluids including liquids through theoutlet duct 80 when thecollapsible bulb 20 moves from the first, at-rest position 21 to a second,compressed position 22. Shapes for thefirst face 61 other than planar are contemplated, such as, for example, scallop type shapes, so long as thefirst face 61 fits sealingly with a corresponding shape of theknife edge 88 of theoutlet duct 80. - Referring to FIG. 3, an exemplary embodiment of a
gate 110, useful for both theinlet gate 50 and theoutlet gate 60, is illustrated. That is, the same sized gate may be used for both theinlet gate 50 and theoutlet gate 60. Specifically, thegate 110 has aflat surface 111 for contact with a corresponding sealing surface, such as theknife edge 78 of theinlet duct 70 or theknife edge 88 of theoutlet duct 80. The surface adjacent theflat surface 111, such as, for example,second face 52 andsecond face 62, need not be flat but, if desired, may be curved to enhance strength or operational performance. - The
gate 110 further includes aleft arm 112 and aright arm 113. Theleft arm 112 and theright arm 113 have, respectively, aleft shoulder 114 and aright shoulder 115. Theleft shoulder 114 and theright shoulder 115 are formed to have aleft hinge pin 116 and aright hinge pin 117, respectively. - The left and right hinge pins116, 117 are disposed on an
axis 118 and are configured to engage therecesses hinge pin bases lengths widths recesses - As discussed previously, the
recesses gate 110 and permits the gate 110 (or, more specifically, theinlet gate 50 and outlet gate 60) to move axially along theinlet duct 70 or theoutlet duct 80 so as to reduce the possibility of valve jamming or of a small piece of debris becoming trapped between the knife edge of theinlet 70 oroutlet duct 80 and thefirst face 51 and 61 of the inlet oroutlet gates - The
gate 110 is, preferably, unitarily formed out of a suitable plastic so that the left andright arms hinge pin bases gate 110 between open and closed positions. Thegate 110 also includes astop arm 119 that is configured to extend from the surface oppositesurface 111. Thestop arm 119 has astop member 120 positioned at the distal end of thestop arm 119. Thestop member 120 is positioned and configured to make contact with thehinge pin bases inlet gate 50 or theoutlet gate 60 in the open position and so that the flow of fluid toward therespective inlet 70 andoutlet 80 will urge thegates gate 110 is constructed of a material having a specific gravity greater than that of the liquid or fluid such as water. Use of such materials prevent thegate 110 from floating to toward the open position when such is not desired and eliminates the need for springs or other structure to urge the gate and more specifically theflat surface 111 against the knife edges 78 and 88 of theinlet duct 50 andoutlet duct 60. Use of such materials permit thegate 110 to close less slowly than would be the case with spring loaded valves, such that a small amount of water is permitted to back-flush against the knife edges 78 and 88 before thegates bulb 20. The 110 is made of material having a specific gravity from about 1.1 to about 1.5. A specific gravity of about 1.2 has been found suitable for these purposes. - Referring now to FIG. 2, the
valve housing 40 is illustrated to have afirst section 46 and asecond section 47. The first andsecond sections annular recess 41 that engages theannular ring 71 of theinlet duct 70 and theannular recess 43 that engages theannular ring 81 of theoutlet duct 80. For example, theannular recess 41 that engages theannular ring 71 of theinlet duct 70 has first andsecond wall pieces 141, 142 that are configured to sealingly engage theannular ring 71, thereby forming a water-tight fit. Similarly, theannular recess 43 that engages theannular ring 81 of theoutlet duct 80 has first andsecond wall pieces annular ring 81, thereby forming a water-tight fit. It is noted that the first andsecond wall pieces first wall partition 44 and thesecond wall partition 45 referred to above. The first andsecond sections second sections - The
first section 46 andsecond section 47 also haveinlet surface portions inlet surface 42. Theinlet surface portions inlet surface 42 has a generally flat surface that is shaped to engage thesurfaces tank 191 andbowl 192 of astandard toilet assembly 190. The phrase “generally flat,” is here meant to include embodiments where theinlet surface portions valve housing 40 are configured to provide a small degree of curvature for theinlet surface 42. A small degree of curvature for theinlet surface 42 enables the pump to better affect the suction of water off from those surfaces that are not, in fact, perfectly flat, but that exhibit a small degree of curvature themselves, say, for example, on the order of about 3 to about 12 inches in radius. A small degree of curvature for theinlet surface 42 does not, however, hinder suction of water off from surfaces that exhibit infinite curvature, that is, surfaces that are perfectly flat. Similarly, a perfectlyflat inlet surface 42 does not appreciably hinder the suction of water off from surfaces that exhibit a small degree of curvature. Regardless of the curvature selected for theinlet surface 42, thesecond end 74 of theinlet duct 70 should be contoured to provide a smooth transition between thesecond end 74 and theinlet surface portions - Referring to FIG. 7, the
undersurface 155 of thevalve housing 40 is illustrated as having aflat inlet surface 147.Grooves 148 are formed and in thevalve housing 40 and conductingchannels 149 are formed in theinlet duct 70 in communication with thegrooves 148. With theinlet surface 147 positioned on the surface under the liquid like the bottom 194. Thegrooves 148 and conductingchannels 149 enable liquid to proceed toward theinlet duct 70. That is, the small amounts of water that otherwise might remain in the tank or bowl can be removed. Stated otherwise, theflat inlet surface 147 may be placed directly on thetank surface 193 or thebowl surface 194. Thereafter, the pump like thebulb 20 may be operated to entrain liquid such as water that remains in shallow pockets on thesurfaces inlet duct 70 from thegrooves 148 and conductingchannels 149 and into thecentral tube 30. - The depth of the
grooves 148 and the conductingchannels 149 is from about 0.5 to about 2 millimeters, and preferably about 1 millimeter, below theflat inlet surface 147. For the case of a generally flat surface likesurface 194 as opposed to a flat surface likesurface 193, thegrooves 148 and the conductingchannels 149 will follow the slightly curved contour of the generally flat surface. - Referring now to FIGS. 1, 6 and9, the manually operable device to create a suction is a
collapsible bulb 20 which is illustrated as being in communication with thevalve housing 40 via acentral tube 30. Thecollapsible bulb 20 is made of a rubber-like material that may, in fact, be rubber or any material with similar characteristics. Specifically, the material of thecollapsible bulb 20 is selected to be deformable by manipulation with the human hand. Acollapsible bulb 20 made from material with a durometer from about 20 to about 80, and preferably about 50. Thecollapsible bulb 20 is preferably formed to have a circular cross section, but with a variable diameter along itscentral axis 23. Theside wall 24 of thebulb 20 has awall thickness 25 selected so that thebulb 20 may be readily and repetitively squeezed by the human hand to effect a pumping action as discussed herein below. Thewall thickness 25 may range from about {fraction (1/64)} of an inch to about ¼ of an inch and, preferably, is about ⅛ of an inch when the material has a durometer of about 50. Thecollapsible bulb 20 has, further, arear wall 26 that is formed to be generally transverse to thecentral axis 23. Therear wall 26 is unitarily formed with theside wall 24, but with awall thickness 27 that is greater than thewall thickness 25 of theside wall 24. Acircular ridge 28 provides stability to therear wall 26. Therear wall 26 has, preferably, awall thickness 27 of about ¼ of an inch. - Referring specifically to FIG. 9, the
collapsible bulb 20 has avariable diameter 29 along itsoverall length 121. A neckingportion 122 has adiameter 123 and alength 124 that are sized to accept thethumb 157 andforefinger 159 of a user's hand 200 (illustrated in phantom). Theoverall length 121, moreover, is sized to accept all thefingers 161 of the user'shand 200. In practice, thebulb 20 has adiameter 29 that is about 2 and ⅜ inches at its greatest point and adiameter 123 that is about 1 and ¾ inches at the neckingportion 122. Theoverall length 121 of thecollapsible bulb 20 is about 4 and ⅝ inches long and is selected so that an overlappingportion 125 extends forward of the neckingportion 122 for connection to abulb collar 130 and for further connection to thecentral tube 30. - With the
bulb 20 formed, sized and shaped as described, the user's hand 200 (both male and female) can manipulate thebulb 20 between a first, at-rest position 21 and a second,compressed position 22. Specifically, when theside wall 24 is manipulated inward toward thecentral axis 23, the volume of thebulb 20 changes from about 400 milliliters at the first, at-rest position 21 to about 200 milliliters at the second, fullycompressed position 22. With aside wall thickness 25 of about ⅛ of an inch and arear wall thickness 27 of about ¼ of inch, and with the material of thebulb 20 having a durometer of about 50, acollapsible bulb 20 having the dimensions above discussed so as to provide an at-rest volume of about 400 milliliters, can produce a vacuum of about 45 inches of water as the bulb moves from its second, fullycompressed position 22 to its first, at-rest position 21. The material properties disclosed and described herein enable thebulb 20 to automatically return to its at-rest position 21, from thecompressed position 22, upon release of the hand of the user and, when doing so, draw liquid such as water in through the inlet of thehousing 40 and into thecentral tube 30. - Referring now to FIGS. 1, 6,8 and 9, a
central tube 30 is disposed between thecollapsible bulb 20 and thevalve housing 40. Specifically, thecentral tube 30 has afirst end 31 that is connected to thevalve housing 40 and asecond end 32 that is connected to thebulb collar 130. Thebulb collar 130 is itself connected to thecollapsible bulb 20. Thefirst end 31 of thecentral tube 30 is snugly connected to thevalve housing 40 by selecting theouter diameter 133 of thetube 30 to be essentially the same as theinner diameter 131 of thetop portion 132 of thevalve housing 40. A snug fit made in this fashion permits disassembly of thevalve housing 40 from thecentral tube 30. Alternatively, a layer of plastic cement may be applied to permanently seal and affix thevalve housing 40 to thecentral tube 30. - An
annular lip 134 is formed into thevalve housing 40 and serves to provide a stop for thecentral tube 30. Thesecond end 32 is connected to thebulb collar 130 in the same fashion as thefirst end 31 is connected to thevalve housing 40. The central tube may range in length from about 12 inches to about 48 inches and, preferably, is about 15 inches. Theouter diameter 133 of thecentral tube 30 is preferably about 1 and ¼ inches, but may range from about ½ of an inch to about 2 inches. Likewise, theinner diameter 131 of thetop portion 132 of the valve housing is preferably about 1 and ¼ inches. Similar dimensions are employed at thesecond end 32 of thecentral tube 30 and the engagingportion 140 of thebulb collar 130. Specifically, thebulb collar 130, preferably, has aninner diameter 134 of about 1 and ¼ of an inch, which is identical to the preferred outer diameter of thecentral tube 30. The illustratedtube 30 is shown as a straight tube with a centralstraight axis 33. Central tubes that are curved along their lengths may be used, as opposed to straight tubes. - Referring now to FIGS. 1, 8 and9, the
collapsible bulb 20 is connected to thebulb collar 130 by snugly engaging anannular lip 135 that is formed integrally with thecollapsible bulb 20 with anannular recess 136 that is formed in thebulb collar 130. Theinside diameter 137 of theannular lip 136 is less than theoutside diameter 138 of thebulb collar 130. This forces thebulb 20 to be elastically stretched or deformed when theannular lip 135 is engaged with theannular recess 136, thereby ensuring an air and water tight connection between thebulb 20 and thecollar 130. - The
bulb collar 130 has abeveled edge 139 to facilitate placement of theannular lip 135 into theannular recess 136. Theoutside diameter 126 of thebulb collar 130, proximate the engagingportion 140, is selected to act as a stop for thecollar 130 andcollapsible bulb 20 once theannular lip 135 is engaged with and into theannular recess 136. - The connections between the
bulb 20 and thecollar 130, between thecollar 130 and thetube 30 and also between thecentral tube 30 and thehousing 40 are snug to be essentially water tight and air tight. Glue, plastic cement and snug fit tolerances or other suitable means are used to effect the desired air and water-tight seals. - Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 6, a
discharge tube 100 is connected to thedischarge port 90 of the valve housing. Thedischarge tube 100 has alength 99 that is preferably from about 6 inches to about 24 inches and is preferably about 9 inches. Theinside diameter 165 of thedischarge tube 100 is preferably about ⅜ of an inch, but may range from about ¼ of an inch to about ½ of an inch. Thedischarge tube 100 has aproximal end 101 that is connected to theoutside portion 103 of a threadedconnector 102. The threadedconnector 102 has an inside portion 104 that is threadedly connected to theinside diameter 105 of thedischarge port 90. The threadedconnector 102 facilitates rapid substitution ofdischarge tubes 100 having varying lengths. - Referring specifically to FIG. 6, operation of the toilet tank and
bowl pump 10 is illustrated. The user or operator may shut off the water source to the toilet and then flush the toilet. The preliminary steps evacuate the bulk of the water from thetank 191 andbowl 192, leaving the residual water that remains for clean-up using the toilet tank andbowl drainage pump 10. In FIG. 6, the levels of water in thetank 191 and in thebowl 192 are illustrative of a toilet after it is flushed. It should be appreciated that the toilet tank andbowl drainage pump 10 may be used regardless of the level of water in thetank 191 andbowl 192. -
lower portion 11 of thepump 10 into thetank 191 of thetoilet 190. Thedistal end 106 of thedischarge tube 100 is then extended toward thebowl 192 of thetoilet 190. Thecollapsible bulb 20 is squeezed by thehand 200 from the first, at-rest position 21 to the second,compressed position 22, and then released. The elasticity and resilience of thebulb 20 causes the bulb to return to its first, at-rest position 21. In moving back to the atrest position 21, a vacuum or suction is created in thecentral tube 30. The vacuum in thecentral tube 30 causes liquid such as water to be drawn in through theinlet duct 70 and, further, causes theoutlet gate 60 to remain in its closed position. Once thecollapsible bulb 20 has returned to its first, at-rest position, a column of liquid such as water resides in thecentral tube 30. Theinlet gate 50 will move toward its closed position. At the same time, the pressure of the column of water will force theoutlet gate 60 into toward its open position, thereby allowing some of the water in thecentral tube 30 to flow through theoutlet duct 80 into thedischarge tube 100. The water will stop flowing through theoutlet duct 80 when the level of the water in the discharge tube is the same as the level of water in thecentral tube 30. - The process is then repeated by squeezing the
bulb 20 to its second,compressed position 22 and then allowing thebulb 20 to return to its first, at-rest position 21. As thebulb 20 is squeezed, water remaining in thecentral tube 30 from the previous cycle will be forced through theoutlet duct 80 and into thedischarge tube 100. As thebulb 20 returns to its first, at-rest position 21, another column of liquid such as water is drawn into thecentral tube 30. In the interim, thegate 61 will move toward theoutlet 80. The surface elevation of the liquid or water in thedischarge tube 100 may be higher than the surface elevation of the liquid or water in thecentral tube 30 to assist in urging theoutlet gate 60 toward the closed position. The process is repeated until the volume of water in thetank 193 is completely evacuated into thebowl 192. - The next step is to place the
lower end 11 of thepump 10 into thebowl 192 and to thread thedistal end 106 of thedischarge tube 100 toward thewaste stack 195 of thetoilet 190. Because thepump 10 does not depend on a siphon action for use, it is not required that the distal end of thedischarge tube 100 be threaded completely into the waste stack. Rather, thedistal end 106 need be extended only so far into thewaste stack 195 such that the liquid such as water may be pumped over therim 196 of thewaste stack 195. The above described process is then repeated until the water in thebowl 192 has been completely evacuated into thewaste stack 195 of thetoilet 190. - The above described process may be modified, if needed or if otherwise convenient, through use of varying lengths of the
discharge tube 100. For example, longer or shorter lengths ofdischarge tube 100 may be used during the tank drainage process and the bowl drainage process, for as illustrated in FIG. 6, alonger discharge tube 100 may be required to carry water over the rim of the toilet tank. Different lengths ofdischarge tube 100 may also be used depending on the dimensions of the particular toilet being drained—that is, longer orshorter lengths 99 ofdischarge tube 100 may be used to coincide with larger or smaller toilets. - A toilet tank and bowl drainage device such as
pump 10 has been described with reference to particular embodiments in the foregoing description. Various other modes for carrying out the invention are, however, contemplated as being within the scope of the claims that follow and that particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter which is regarded as the invention.
Claims (4)
1. A portable toilet tank and bowl drainage device, said device comprising:
a housing having a first end for positioning proximate a submerged surface and a second end spaced from said first end, said housing having an inlet proximate said first end configured to receive liquid positioned on said submerged surface and an outlet configured to discharge liquid received from said inlet;
a hand pumping device in communication with said housing, said hand pumping device being operable by a user to urge fluids including said liquid into and out of said housing;
an inlet gate mounted within said housing and proximate said inlet, said inlet gate being operable between an open position to allow liquid to flow into said housing and a closed position to inhibit the flow of liquid out of said inlet;
an outlet gate mounted within said housing and proximate said outlet, said outlet gate being operable between an open position to allow liquid to out from said housing and a closed position to inhibit the flow of liquid into said housing; and
a discharge tube having a first end connected to said outlet and a second end spaced away from said housing.
2. . A device for removing liquids from a liquid retaining receptacle, said device comprising:
a housing having a first end for positioning proximate a submerged surface and a second end spaced from said first end, said housing having an inlet proximate said first end configured to receive liquid positioned on said submerged surface and an outlet configured to discharge liquid received from said inlet;
a bulb in communication with said housing, said bulb device being operable by the hand of a user to urge fluids including said liquid into and out of said housing;
an inlet gate mounted within said housing and proximate said inlet, said inlet gate being operable between an open position to allow liquid to flow into said housing and a closed position to inhibit the flow of liquid out of said inlet;
an outlet gate mounted within said housing and proximate said outlet, said outlet gate being operable between an open position to allow liquid to out from said housing and a closed position to inhibit the flow of liquid into said housing; and
a discharge tube having a first end connected to said outlet and a second end spaced away from said housing.
3. The device of claim 2 further comprising a central tube having a first end and a second end spaced from said first end, said first end being connected to said housing and said bulb being connected to said second end.
4. The device of claim 3 wherein said housing has a generally flat portion proximate said inlet, and wherein said flat portion has a plurality of liquid conducting channels formed therein for directing liquids toward said inlet.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US10/326,532 US6948920B2 (en) | 2001-12-19 | 2002-12-19 | Toilet bowl and tank drainage device |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US34265401P | 2001-12-19 | 2001-12-19 | |
US10/326,532 US6948920B2 (en) | 2001-12-19 | 2002-12-19 | Toilet bowl and tank drainage device |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20030178061A1 true US20030178061A1 (en) | 2003-09-25 |
US6948920B2 US6948920B2 (en) | 2005-09-27 |
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Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US10/326,532 Expired - Fee Related US6948920B2 (en) | 2001-12-19 | 2002-12-19 | Toilet bowl and tank drainage device |
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Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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JP5129769B2 (en) * | 2008-08-08 | 2013-01-30 | 創市 小川 | Aquarium cleaning tool |
EP2477675A4 (en) * | 2009-09-16 | 2014-05-07 | Pawel Wisniewski | Suction device |
Citations (16)
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US238136A (en) * | 1881-02-22 | Siphon-pump | ||
US862867A (en) * | 1906-03-28 | 1907-08-06 | Lewis Watson Eggleston | Pneumatic pumping apparatus. |
US1783095A (en) * | 1927-11-26 | 1930-11-25 | Muirhead John Robb | Device for pumping fluids |
US2640431A (en) * | 1950-05-12 | 1953-06-02 | Earl S Neal | Pump |
US2761833A (en) * | 1951-12-26 | 1956-09-04 | Samuel I Ward | Liquid treating apparatus |
US2965507A (en) * | 1958-01-06 | 1960-12-20 | Diamond Alkali Co | Adhesive silicate composition |
US3158104A (en) * | 1961-12-20 | 1964-11-24 | Clyde E Hutchinson | Aquarium cleaning device |
US3407430A (en) * | 1967-04-20 | 1968-10-29 | Carl E. Renner | Vacuum cleaner construction for use inside tanks |
US3549015A (en) * | 1968-11-18 | 1970-12-22 | Metaframe Corp | Adjustable hand operated aquarium cleaning pump |
US4218195A (en) * | 1979-02-02 | 1980-08-19 | International Components Corporation | Submersible pump |
US4301826A (en) * | 1980-01-07 | 1981-11-24 | Beckerer Frank S | Combination siphon and positive action pump |
US4584733A (en) * | 1984-12-17 | 1986-04-29 | Saresearch Corporation | Spa or pool cleaning device |
US5095571A (en) * | 1990-10-22 | 1992-03-17 | Hydrafun Corporation | Underwater vacuum cleaner |
US5135647A (en) * | 1991-05-02 | 1992-08-04 | Richard Childers | Fluid vacuum apparatus and filter bag for cleaning swimming pools and the like |
US5388966A (en) * | 1993-10-12 | 1995-02-14 | Bley; John K. | Toilet bowl drainage device |
US6019891A (en) * | 1996-09-25 | 2000-02-01 | Stoner; Michael A. | Debris vacuum device for spas/hot tubs |
Family Cites Families (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2956507A (en) | 1953-12-04 | 1960-10-18 | Clyde E Hutchinson | Aquarium cleaning device |
-
2002
- 2002-12-19 US US10/326,532 patent/US6948920B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Patent Citations (16)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US238136A (en) * | 1881-02-22 | Siphon-pump | ||
US862867A (en) * | 1906-03-28 | 1907-08-06 | Lewis Watson Eggleston | Pneumatic pumping apparatus. |
US1783095A (en) * | 1927-11-26 | 1930-11-25 | Muirhead John Robb | Device for pumping fluids |
US2640431A (en) * | 1950-05-12 | 1953-06-02 | Earl S Neal | Pump |
US2761833A (en) * | 1951-12-26 | 1956-09-04 | Samuel I Ward | Liquid treating apparatus |
US2965507A (en) * | 1958-01-06 | 1960-12-20 | Diamond Alkali Co | Adhesive silicate composition |
US3158104A (en) * | 1961-12-20 | 1964-11-24 | Clyde E Hutchinson | Aquarium cleaning device |
US3407430A (en) * | 1967-04-20 | 1968-10-29 | Carl E. Renner | Vacuum cleaner construction for use inside tanks |
US3549015A (en) * | 1968-11-18 | 1970-12-22 | Metaframe Corp | Adjustable hand operated aquarium cleaning pump |
US4218195A (en) * | 1979-02-02 | 1980-08-19 | International Components Corporation | Submersible pump |
US4301826A (en) * | 1980-01-07 | 1981-11-24 | Beckerer Frank S | Combination siphon and positive action pump |
US4584733A (en) * | 1984-12-17 | 1986-04-29 | Saresearch Corporation | Spa or pool cleaning device |
US5095571A (en) * | 1990-10-22 | 1992-03-17 | Hydrafun Corporation | Underwater vacuum cleaner |
US5135647A (en) * | 1991-05-02 | 1992-08-04 | Richard Childers | Fluid vacuum apparatus and filter bag for cleaning swimming pools and the like |
US5388966A (en) * | 1993-10-12 | 1995-02-14 | Bley; John K. | Toilet bowl drainage device |
US6019891A (en) * | 1996-09-25 | 2000-02-01 | Stoner; Michael A. | Debris vacuum device for spas/hot tubs |
Also Published As
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US6948920B2 (en) | 2005-09-27 |
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